Access module

Abstract

A patching module having an improved switching and monitor feature for use in a patch unit assembly. The monitor feature includes a monitor plug with monitor elements capable of directly monitoring selected leads of the circuit within the module without drawing any power from such circuit. Each module is provided with appropriate connections for an independent power source.

I claim: 
     
       1. A digital patch and access module for use in a patch and access assembly having a series of said modules in side-by-side relationship comprising: a first plurality of separate conductor leads;   a second plurality of separate conductor leads;   electrical switch means connected between said first plurality of separate conductor leads and said second plurality of separate conductor leads for selectively simultaneously connecting said first and second plurality of separate conductor leads and simultaneously disconnection said first and second plurality of separate conductor leads;   access means for providing monitoring access to a selected plurality of said separate conductor leads when said first and second plurality of conductor leads are electrically connected;   a connection for a power source independent of said plurality of conductor leads;   a selectively removable monitor plug adapted for connection with said access means, said monitor plug including monitor means adapted for monitoring connection with said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads and means adapted for electrically connected said power source conection and said monitor means.   
     
     
       2. The patch and access module of claim 1 wherein said monitor means includes pin-jack access to said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads. 
     
     
       3. The patch and access module of claim 2 wherein said access means includes means providing access to said power source. 
     
     
       4. The patch and access module of claim 3 wherein said monitor means includes a light emitting diode (LED) for monitoring said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads. 
     
     
       5. The patch and access module of claim 4 where said monitor means includes pin-jack access to said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads. PG,20 
     
     
       6. A patch and access assembly having a plurality of the connecting apparatus of claim 1 positioned in side-by-side relationship with each other. 
     
     
       7. A digital patch and access assembly comprising: a frame;   a series of independently operable digital patch and access modules positioned side-by-side with respect to each other within said frame, each of said modules including; a first plurality of separate conductor leads;   a second plurality of separate conductor leads;   electrical switch means connected between said first plurality of separate conductor leads and said second plurality of separate conductor leads for selectively simultaneously connecting said first and second plurality of separate conductor leads and simultaneously disconnecting said first and second plurality of separate conductor leads;   access means for providing monitoring access to a selected plurality of said separate conductor leads when said first and second plurality of conductor leads are electrically connected;   a connection for a power source independent of said plurality of conductor leads;     a selectively removable monitor plug adapted for connection with said access means, said monitor plug including monitor means adapted for monitoring connection with said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads and means adapted for electrically connecting said power source connection and said monitor means.   
     
     
       8. The patch and access assembly of claim 7 wherein said monitor means includes pin-jack access to said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads. 
     
     
       9. The patch and access assembly of claim 8 wherein said access means includes means providing access to said power source. 
     
     
       10. The patch and access assembly of claim 9 wherein said monitor means includes a light emitting diode (LED) for monitoring said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads. 
     
     
       11. The patch and access assembly of claim 10 where said monitor means includes pin-jack access to said selected plurality of said separate conductor leads. 
     
     
       12. The patch and access module of claim 1 having an equal number of first and second separate conductor leads. 
     
     
       13. The patch and access module of claim 1 wherein said monitor plug is adapted for connection only with said access means.